Family Caregiver Resource Guide - Albuquerque 1 | Page 12

If you are a caregiver for a senior,
you may often find that you are not
getting the information you need
about the senior’s health from a
physician or health care provider. In
some cases, the provider may not
be aware of your role. But there
are things you can do to ensure you
are fully informed throughout the
process. Here are some tips that can
help improve communications:
Identify Yourself as a Caregiver
Don’t just say, “I’m her daughter.” Be
clear about your role so the provider
knows why you are there. Say, “I’m
her daughter, and I’m the one who
takes care of her at home.”
Get written permission for private
information to be shared with you.

Many health care professionals will
be uncomfortable letting you stay in
the room during an exam or talking
with you about your elder’s health
because of privacy concerns. Have
the elder sign HIPAA form(s) giving
you the right to this information.
The form stays in the elder’s chart so
medical staff always see it. It is also
prudent to provide a copy of your
Power of Attorne